Former Black Bull landlord Malcolm Mills, of Quadring, releases children’s book

A retired pub landlord moved on from pouring pints to writing a new book - in the hope to broaden children’s imagination.

Malcolm Mills (72), of Quadring, has spent six months perfecting his new book, ‘Mary The Unwary Sugar-Plum Fairy’ and is hoping to see it on shelves in our area soon.

The story is written for children aged three to 11. Throughout the narrative, which is in the form of a poem, readers can follow the adventures of an accident-prone fairy on a journey to help everyone around her.

Mr Mills, former landlord of the Black Bull, said: “It started off as a poem and just grew from there. My granddaughter, Penelope Milner, told me it needs to be empowering for women – so I changed the story line so that the once wary fairy, ended up being a sugar-plum fairy superhero.

“She became so famous that even Father Christmas heard about her – one thing led to another and they ended up getting married.

“I believe a children’s book doesn't need to be serious – I like silliness. There is too much misery in the world and people have started taking things too seriously.

“I hope that my book will broaden children’s imagination. I love it – I’m very proud.”

Malcolm has always enjoyed being creative and spends his spare time writing different poems and stories. The author, who likes to go by the name of ‘The Rickety Rhymer’, also edited all of the pictures in the book himself after gaining experience after working for the Donington village magazine.

The story can also be used as a colouring book for children to enjoy, either while reading it themselves or being read the tale.

“I enjoyed writing it, I have a few other poems in the pipeline and some of the names of those poems are included throughout the story.

“I recently had a meeting with the manager of Bookmark in Spalding. I was very happy with the result as they have decided to stock the book, it will be sold for £8.”